Crossword Genius

Desperate to survive drop (4-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

last-ditch

'desperate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'survive drop' is the wordplay.
'survive' becomes 'last' (synonyms).
'drop' becomes 'ditch' (both can mean to get rid of).
'last'+'ditch'='LAST-DITCH'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for last-ditch that I've seen before include "Of an attempt or stand, final and desperate" , "Stitch lad up in final defence" , "Eleventh hour" , "Eleventh-hour" , "Final recourse" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times, The Telegraph and The Sun.
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